New Employee Spotlight – Liliana Godinez

We’d like to take a moment and recognize our newest employees to Green River. Please take a moment to learn more about them, in their own words.

Please tell everyone your new title and a little bit about your professional background.
I am the new Diversity and Equity Completion Advisor at the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I have over 7 yrs experience assisting students from all walks of life, preschool to higher education. I spent the last 3 yrs as a mental health counselor, serving at risk youth and mentoring them to achieve a college education.

What drew you to apply to Green River?
Working under a diverse group of staff and offering my skills and strengths to help students break down barriers towards college graduation. I am highly resourceful and enjoy new challenges.

On the car ride to work, what do you listen to?
During my morning ride, I listen to 92.5 Brooke and Jubal. My favorite segment is the Second Date Update. On my way back home, mostly salsa, bachata and Mexican cumbia and banda.

What was the very first job you ever had?
My very first job in an educational setting was at 14 yrs of age, teaching Microsoft Office to Latino mothers, and translating for parenting classes. This experience determined my choice of career.

What about your new position are you most excited about?
Assisting students solution focus and problem solve challenges, emphasizing that anything and everything is possible with determination.

What is one thing you’d love to accomplish in your first year at Green River?
To get to know the students, staff and resources as well as see the new Project Finish Line succeed and be an exemplary example of what team work can accomplish.

What three accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?
1) Being the first and only college graduate in my family of six; 2) Being a mother; 3)My family, friends and spirituality.

If your coworkers were to give you an office nickname, what would that be?
Maybe something along the lines of my culture, because my face lights up when I talk about my Mexican-American experience, e.g. “Chica”.

For Green River’s annual talent show (this doesn’t actually exist), what hidden talent would you showcase for everyone?
I am an artist at heart. I have been painting children since high school. I love kids and I enjoy painting with the imagination of one. I paint children in surreal environments, e.g. the Safari, clouds, etc.

If G.R.E.E.N. where an acronym for something, what would each letter stand for?Go big Re-invent Educate Equality Never give up